Equipping Young Adults for Independence
The Anthem HealthKeepers Plus Foster Care Specialty Plan is the dedicated Virginia Medicaid plan serving youth aging out of the foster care system and young adults who were formerly in foster care.
Transitioning into Adulthood
We are here for you as you journey to adulthood and independence and the Foster Care Specialty Plan has robust services and supports just for you.
Having health insurance is an important part of being a healthy adult. As a former foster care youth, you are eligible for Virginia Medicaid, the state’s health insurance program offering a full range of health benefits and more.
Eligibility
Am I eligible for benefits under the Cardinal Care Foster Care Specialty plan?
“Former foster youth” is the term given to describe young adults who reside in Virginia, were in foster care in any state at the time of their 18th birthday and are currently under age 26. If you are considered a Former Foster youth are eligible to receive Medicaid Benefits through Cardinal Care and also eligible to be a part of the Anthem HealthKeepers Plus Foster Care Specialty plan.
If you have questions about your eligibility, call Cover Virginia at 833-5CALLVA (833-522-5582) (TDD 888-221-1590) or go online at coverva.org.
Enroll
If you do have Medicaid and are eligible under Former Foster Care, you will be enrolled automatically with Anthem HealthKeepers Plus Foster Care Specialty Plan.
1. How do I find my care manager?
Former foster care youth under 26 years old are eligible for the Cardinal Care Foster Care Specialty plan. If you have questions how to reach your dedicated care manager call the Foster Care Specialty Care Plan Support Line at 833-838-2605 (TTY 711) Monday through Friday 8am-5pm.
2. Lost your Medicaid? Here is how you can Apply
Ways to apply are,
Apply by phone by calling Cover Virginia at 833-5CALLVA (833-522-5582) (TDD: 888-221-1590). Or go to coverva.org.
Apply online through the Virginia Department of Social Services.
3. After you’re approved
Check your mailbox for an approval packet from Cardinal Care Medicaid.
Call the Medicaid Managed Care HelpLine for further assistance at 800-643-2273 (TTY 711).
Renew
Ready to renew? It’s quick and easy. Follow these steps to renew your benefits:
1. Check your mailbox
You’ll get a renewal letter from Cover Virginia telling you it’s time to renew.
2. Fill out your renewal form
Complete the entire renewal form and gather any documents requested. You may also complete your renewal form online.
3. Send it in
You can use any of these methods to send in your renewal materials:
- Submit your renewal online on commonhelp.virginia.gov
- Email it to covervadocs@coverva.org.
Bring it in person to your local eligibility office.
The member handbook: Everything you need to know
- How to use your benefits
- How to choose a primary care provider (PCP)
- How to get help if your doctor’s office is closed
- How to reach Member Services if you have questions
- Your rights and responsibilities as a Cardinal Care Foster Care Specialty plan member
Community partners and support
Community partners
Great Expectations helps Virginia’s foster youth finish high school, get access to a community college education, and shift successfully from the foster care system to living independently.
Project LIFE gives former foster youth the opportunity to make connections and helps them get the resources they need. Project LIFE works together with local departments of social services to prepare you for success after foster care.
Cover Virginia is a useful resource to learn more about Virginia’s healthcare programs. Any young adult who was in foster care on their 18th birthday can apply for benefits with the Former Foster Care program online or by calling Cover Virginia at 855-242-8282 (TTY 711).
Additional Helpful Resources
Foster Care Specialty Plan dedicated staff
In addition to your care manager, we have dedicated specialists to support you every step of the way. Our Transition Aged Youth (TAY) Specialists are here to help you navigate your journey towards independence. Our TAY liaisons are equipped to assist with a variety of topics such as independent living, childcare, disability resources, and connecting you with LGBTQ-friendly providers. We're here to ensure you receive the personalized support you need.
We also have a dedicated Judicial Liaison- to help you navigate the justice system.
We have an Employment and Education Specialist- to help you navigate success towards career and secondary schooling goals
Need help with something else?
Use our find help search engine to look for food, help with utilities and other community resources based on your zip code.
Education and Training Voucher
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program assists eligible foster care and adopted teens or young adults with post-secondary education and training expenses. It is designed to help teens or young adults transitioning out of foster care with the education, training and services needed for employment.
Visit Virginia Department of Social Services for more information.
Are you experiencing a behavioral health crisis?
If you or someone you know if experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.
Call our Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 844-429-9620 (TTY 711) if you or a family member are having a mental health or substance use crisis. We’re here to help anytime, day or night.